Synopsis: (Taken from back of book)

Ancient India vividly comes to life in this multiple award-winning series that has convinced American readers Osamu Tezuka is indeed one of the world’s greatest comic masters.

Bringing unprecedented visual richness to a traditional story of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha is an epic masterpiece that is as humorous as it is moving. In this first volume of eight, “The Blessed One” is born.

The Himalayas await you, and Kapilavastu….

Review:

When doing research on good graphic novels, the Buddha series by Osamu Tezuks one kept coming up.  It’s not your typical manga-style (i.e. Emma or Miki Falls) but instead a historical story based on real history. (Although there are some fictional spins to it, just like any tale..)

I decided that I would purchase it and read it — although I still wasn’t sure I would 100% love it. (But it’s from the “master of graphic novels” — so I had to read it, you know?)

Earlier this afternoon I was sitting in the car, waiting for my husband in Lowe’s (getting a toolbox) when I decided I would enjoy my graphic novel (and peace and quiet since he took the kid in with him). In the time that my husband was in Lowe’s (about an hour, if not a little more) I had finished the entire novel. I could not put it down!

We are taken back to the time in India when social classes were something you were “born into” and not earned.  Once a slave, always a slave. We are introduced to a series of characters — who are both magical and inspirational. (And for a story revolving around Buddha, this story did not really center around him — yet). While Buddha is “born” sometime in the duration of the novel, it is centered around other characters.

I felt very drawn into the storyline and very attached to the characters. I definitely plan on purchasing the remainder of the books in the series, and reading it over, and over, and over again! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves graphic novels! Buddha: Volume 1, Kapilavastu was one of the best ones I have read in a long, long time!

Synopsis: (Taken from back of book)

An upstairs gentleman and a downstairs servant share a secret love. The saga begins. In Victorian England, a young girl named Emma is rescued from a life of destitution and raised to become a proper British maid. When she meets William, the eldest son of a wealthy family, their love seems destined. But in this world, even matters of the heart are rules by class distinctions.

Review:

Emma is another popular series that keeps popping up around the blogosphere. I’ve seen it on many blogger’s websites; bloggers with varying tastes. Something about this book was attracting readers of all sorts — and I was determined to find out what it was.

Last week I ordered Emma Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori from Barnes and Noble. When it arrived later in the week, I was very excited. After finishing up some other books, I opened this one and found myself quickly hooked.

Kaoru Mori manages to make Victorian London seem anything but trivial and boring. Instead, there was humor and intrigue — and romance.

We are introduced to Emma — a beautiful but shy maid who works for a former governess, Kelly Stownar (who I believe is to be in her late 40′s/50′s).  Kelly is widowed and known to be on the “tough love” side but very quickly, you grow to appreciate her for her little comments and her intentions.

One day — a young man by the name of William (who comes from a wealth family) comes to visit his former governess, Kelly — who he hasn’t seen in quite a bit of time. Upon arrival, William’s face meets the door as Emma is on her way out, slamming him to the ground. William, ego in tact, is not at all disrupted by his fall — which is caused by a “maid”. Instead, he finds something about her — something captivating. He just has to know her.

Emma, even a low class maid, is no stranger to having men fall in love with her. Used to turning possible suitors down, there is something about William that prevents her from turning down his attentions. Emma, Volume 1, is a light-hearted and interesting tale set in Victorian England that will have you wanting to read more! I just loved it and cannot wait to read more.

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

At 592 pages, Blankets may well be the single largest graphic novel ever published without being serialized first.

Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith.

A profound and utterly beautiful work from Craig Thompson.

Review:

The first time I saw this book, I was in a little Japanese-style novelty shop in Winter Park Village.  (The shop, unfortunately, is no longer there!) I was interested to see a graphic novel that was as huge as it was and so unlike anything I had seen before. I did not purchase it then, but it had stayed in my mind since then.

After a discussion on Twitter, I decided to go ahead and make the purchase (once and for all) and I very much anticipated its arrival. Yesterday evening, I told my husband I wanted to read “a little”. He went to bed and I sat up until about 11:30 finishing off this tale by Craig Thompson. Yes, I read the entire book in one sitting.

Although graphic novels of great thickness can appear overwhelming — they are often pretty quick reads. This one took me maybe two hours to read.

Walking away from it – I felt a sense of sadness for Craig Thompson; both sadness and admiration. In this graphic memoir, he is very candid on his experiences during childhood and his feelings. You cannot help but read and sympathize with this person you’ve never met — but knowing he is indeed very real.

Blankets is a must read — plain and simple. If you are in the position where you need to read a memoir for whatever reason, but shiver at the fact that it’s not anything that you WANT to do .. pick up Blankets. It’s a tale that is anything but boring — and will keep you captivated until the very end.

I sure hope that Craig Thompson will write a sequel to this memoir, Blankets — as he has aged quite a bit since his childhood and young teenager-self. It would be nice to know what happened next, and what events took place that helped shape him into the successful graphic novelist he is today.

Synopsis: (Taken From Amazon.com)

DON’T TOUCH THAT WAND!

Ten-year-old prodigy Negi Springfield, has just graduated from magic academy. He dreams of becoming a master wizard. Instead he’s sent to Japan to teach English . . . at an all-girls high school! All the students are delighted with their cute new teacher—except for Asuna, who resents Negi for replacing the teacher she secretly has a crush on.

Although he is forbidden to display his magical powers, sometimes Negi can’t resist. And when Asuna discovers Negi’s secret, she vows to make his life as difficult as possible— just the thing to prepare Negi for the challenges of life as a master wizard!

Review:

I love Ken Akatmatsu’s books and am a HUGE Love Hina fan. When I saw this series (which happens to be many volumes long in length – even longer than Love Hina’s 14 book run) I thought I had to give it a try. I picked up Negima! Vol. 1 at Half-Off Books, and read it in just a period of a few hours.

What draws me to manga, in the first place, is that I find the adult sense of humor in Japan a little bit more free-willed with a tad of raunchy-truth. Ken Akamatsu tends to write for an older audience (teen/adult) so you tend to see more of this type of situational humor. While books like Honey Mustard are geared more towards younger pre-teens and are much more innocent.

Negimi Vol. 1 is the beginning story of how ten-year old Negi Springfield lands a roll teaching English in an All-Girls school. On top of that, he can’t use magic! Just like any 10 year old little boy, he is at odds with himself on figuring out how to be taken seriously when all his students (girls for that matter) are older than he is. (How serious can you take someone who is “just so darn cute!”)

Asuna, one of the students at this All Girl’s Academy is hell bent on making his life miserable and threatening to expose his secret as a wizard – which will inevitably ruin his wizardry career if any one found out! Negi and Asuna are forced to work together in many different situations – causing a variety of tensions (making neither of them very happy!)

Overall the book was cute, funny, and charming. It had it’s errors (on the back it says Negi is going to work at an all girl’s highschool) but in the book it says they are Junior High. But I am interested in seeing where these characters will end up – and if Asuna and Negi will finally make peace.

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)
In this new graphic novel edition of the very first BABY-SITTERS CLUB book, Raina Telgemeier captures all the drama of the original in warm, spunky illustrations.

Witness Kristy’s eureka moment, when she gets the idea for a “baby-sitters club” and enlists her best friends, shy Mary Anne and artistic Claudia, in an exciting new venture. But the baby-sitting business isn’t the only thing absorbing their attention: Kristy is having a hard time accepting her stepdad-to-be, and the newest member of the gang, Stacey, seems to be hiding a secret.

Review:

When I discovered via Twitter that there was a Baby-Sitter’s Club graphic novel – I just about peed my pants. (Okay, not really – but can you sense my excitement?) I think it’s already pretty well known that I enjoy a good graphic novel and I am a long time Baby-Sitter’s Club fan. Mixing the two seemed like a great idea – but somehow, this adaptation of the first book in the series, Kristy’s Great idea, fell flat.

The thing about Manga or graphic novels, is you expect a certain amount of wit and humor. In Kristy’s Great Idea, there was none. I was rather sad and a bit disappointed, but – even so – It wasn’t horrible. It was just.. not captivating. We’re going through the meeting of the characters, learning where everyone is from, and everyone in each families. It felt more like I was reading, “An introduction to..” rather than a novel.

I could take or leave it, when it comes to the first Baby-Sitter’s Club graphic novel. I will give #2 a try, The Truth About Stacey (which is actually #3 in the book series) because I have learned that you can’t always judge a book by its first. (If you can recall, I wasn’t completely impressed with Dead Until Dark in the Sookie Stackhouse series). I am going to keep this book because I am a fan of the Baby-Sitter’s Club and it may be something that Carli likes reading when she is older.

Warning: This review may contain spoilers. You discover at the end of Book 1 why Hiro’s behavior is so mysterious. If you like the mystery, I would not read this review because it goes into discuss his career, which may be a spoiler for others.

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

Has Miki fallen too hard?

It’s summer, and Miki Yoshida is learning all about love. Her senior year has blossomed with promise ever since she gained Hiro Sakurai’s confidence. Now, she’s resolved to keep his trust as he reveals more about his secret mission and warns:

“Don’t get involved.”

But Miki fears his work might do more harm than good, and she takes control—with disastrous results. How can trying to make things right turn out so dangerously wrong?

After reading Miki Falls: Spring (Book 1), I had to continue to read Miki Falls: Summer (Book 2). At the end of Spring, we discover that Hiro is a Collector, which means he observes and documents love in his location. When he sees that love is in danger of fizzeling out (and disappearing forever) he takes what little is left, takes it from that couple, and then gives it to two people will will nurture it and help it to grow.

One of the rules is he cannot get involved with anyone, nor allow anyone on the outside know about his job. When Miki is able to break the trance of his helper to erase her memory, he decides he’ll risk allowing her to know his job, until further notice. But what happens when someone of his kind finds out about their budding friendship? Especially if that person is also female and happens to be in love with Hiro?

Miki is also continuously curious about what Hiro is writing in his notebook. When she discovers that her best friend and her boyfriend is written in the notebooks, Miki is determined to intervene, even if it costs her everything! Summer was a great continuation of Spring, with more drama and mystery. After enjoying the first two books of the series immensely, I cannot wait to continue on in the series and find out what is in store for Miki and Hiro.

The Book In Pictures:

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

It’s spring—a time for new beginnings. This is Miki Yoshida’s final year of high school, and she’s determined to make this the best year yet. Miki is in control . . .

. . . until Hiro Sakurai shows up.

The tall, handsome new student is hiding something, and Miki wants to know what. As she breaks down Hiro’s defenses, she is unnerved by how much she cares about him. Too bad he is the one guy who can’t care for her back. But Miki is falling for Hiro, and nothing is going to stop her from getting close to him—not even his dangerous secret.

Review:

We begin what seems like a suicidal girl, throwing herself out of a window to fall. Although she said she jumped to just get away, I began to wonder her true motives. What drove her to become so desperate as to flee the company by throwing herself out of a window? I wanted to know! I had to know!

This glimpse into the literary future had me hooked. We are then brought back a year prior, to the Spring when we meet Miki and discover she is determined to change her life. Her best friend, Yumi, is insistent that Miki stop being so picky and just choose someone already (after all, she’s settled – so why shouldn’t Miki?) At least, for now. Miki, a strong willed school girl said she’s too busy for boys and instead drowns herself in extra activities and studies.

One day, while at an archery practice- Miki loses an arrow into a large rice patch. Shins deep in water, she is told she must find that arrow. It is, after all, the rules. You lose it – you find it. While looking for the arrow she finds the new kid, in a jacket – standing by himself doing something. But what? Miki startles him, and he looks terrified that she has spotted him. She comes up with some excuse, as to not worry him but he answers her in a very cold, rude manner. Miki just doesn’t understand it! For the new guy, he just has no interest in fitting in! Not at all!

Book 1 creates a lot of romantic tension and mystery. Why is this new guy, Hiro, so distant? What is his deal? I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this series at first – but I honestly loved it. It was well written and entertaining. The only thing that bothered me was Mark Crilleys illustrative style. Sometimes Miki’s face (and other characters) looked too flat, and her eyes too wide apart. I have no idea why that bugged me, because they are great illustrations – I guess, it just wasn’t aesthetically pleasing to me.

For manga lovers who enjoy a good story, I definitely recommend Miki Falls – Spring (Book 1).

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

Nana Komatsu is a young woman who’s endured an unending string of boyfriend problems. Moving to Tokyo, she’s hoping to take control of her life and put all those messy misadventures behind her. She’s looking for love and she’s hoping to find it in the big city.

Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is cool, confident and focused. She swaggers into town and proceeds to kick down the doors to Tokyo’s underground punk scene. She’s got a dream and won’t give up until she becomes Japan’s No. 1 rock’n'roll superstar.

This is the story of two 20-year-old women who share the same name. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, they somehow meet and become best friends. The world of Nana is a world exploding with sex, music, fashion, gossip and all-night parties.

Review:

After reading a few “semi-okay” mangas, I wasn’t expecting much from Nana, even though it came highly recommended.  Much to my surprise, Nana was quite interesting from the beginning. It has a nice mix of friendship, love, sex, obsession – with a touch of reality.

The story begins with Nana Komatsu and her married lover, who is ending the relationship to move to Tokyo.  To ease her broken heart, she quickly “falls in love” with boy after boy who gives her so much as a glance in her direction.  Realizing that this method is not getting her what she wants (true love), her best friend recommends that she try to be just friends with a guy and see how that works. Even though she instantly develops lust at first site feelings for Shoji, she puts them aside and is determined to become friends first (even though, unknown to her, he has feelings for her!)

It’s the classic “We must be friends even though we’re hopelessly drawn to each other” scenerio, and I admit – I ate it right up.

In another town there is a completely different girl (also) known by the name of Nana Osaki. Different in every way, she is in a band with her boyfriend, Ren. Life throws Nana Osaki a curve ball and she finds herself headed towards the big city of Tokyo to start new.

Overall, I really enjoyed this first novel in the series, Nana. As the characters are older, I felt I could relate to their issues on a higher level than I could those of high school students in mangas. I encourage manga lovers to give this series a shot if you love a good girly, yet adult story.

J.Kaye created a Meme for Mondays where you list the books you have recently completed this week, books you are currently reading, and books you hope to read this week.

The books I have read in the past week:

• Night Runner by Max Turner
• Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Nana by Ai Yazawa – Review Coming
• Honey Mustard by Ho-Kyung Yeo
• Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli (Audio) – Review Coming

Books I am currently reading:

• 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists: Insider Secrets from Top Writers by Andrew McAleer
• Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation – by Mitch Harowitz
• How NOT To Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman

Books I plan on reading this week:

1. Watch the Hour – J.R. Lindermuth (I am going to try this one again, if I have time)

My selection(s) this week are to help prep me for #NaNoWriMo (http://www.nanowrimo.org , National Novel Writing Month). Luckily I’ve had a lot of great support so far from my Twitter pals who have really helped me sort through my thoughts. So you’ll see a lot of “study” books to help aid my train of thought.

What are YOU reading?

Book Cover

Synopsis: (Taken from back of book)

It’s love at second site! When Ara works up the nerve to ask out the boy of her dreams, she gets all glammed up and boozed up.. and ends up kissing Young-Woo, the wrong guy! The juicy smooch is witnessed by the school’s puritanical chaperone, who tells their strict families. Now everyone is in an uproar, and the only way these angry families will be appeased is if the two get married .. and have kids!

Review:

I don’t know what it is lately – but lately I haven’t been loving the new series I have been trying out. This one was okay. It had it’s moments, but all around a bit choppy. When asked why she named her series Honey Mustard, the author said because she loved the sauce. I don’t know about you – but that seemed kind of a silly reason. As of finishing book 1, Honey Mustard has nothing to do with the content. If you ask me, it’s kind of a silly reason to name a book something because you like a condiment.

Sometimes I found myself sort of confused as to who the people were and how they were all related. I couldn’t figure out who the two men who were living with Young-Woo were. One minute it seems as if the one man is his brother – but then his father? He looks too young to be his father, but there was a comment about what his “son” did. So really – I am a bit stumped. Grandfather/Father/Son? But the “Father” looks so much like a girl, that it drives me nuts and confuses me. So unless I look it up on the wikipedia, I probably will have no idea how to sort that character mess out.

Nothing really happens in the book that you don’t read on the cover – although you start to feel a little sorry for the main character, Ara. She lives in a household where she’s not entirely loved – and she’s put in her place by the hand slapping of her father. I am not really familiar with the Korean culture, or Korean-based/written Manga so I am not sure if that’s pretty common. Ara seemed pretty desperate for love and it was just.. sad. Well, regardless of everything, it still remained an overall  cute read.